Background was a beautiful, well-designed, and easy-to-use Unsplash client that let users browse and save high-quality photos. Saved images could be used as wallpapers and for other purposes, since they were under the Creative Commons Zero license, allowing free use, modification, and distribution without attribution.

A photo could be saved by touching and holding it.

Background was free to use, and a Background Premium in-app purchase removed unobtrusive ads and unlocked features such as search and favorites. The app included five customizable screens: search, newest photos, curated photos, favorite photos, and settings. Users could explore more content by scrolling vertically and switch screens by swiping horizontally.

Background was featured multiple times by Apple in the App Store.